Technical considerations of computer-aided planning in severe orbital trauma: A retrospective study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of linear and orbital volume measurements in severe orbital trauma. Patients with severe orbital trauma that involved more than two walls and entailed a marked degree of comminution were included in this retrospective analysis. However, patients with incomplete clinical records and a simple blowout or zygmatico-orbital fractures were excluded. All the cases underwent surgical correction guided by virtual surgical planning and 3D-printed templates. The measurement protocol depended on assessing orbital dimensions, orbital volumetry, and the zygomatic bone's position in the three-dimensional planes. All patients' preoperative 3D CT scans were obtained, and DICOM files were imported into a three-dimensional image processing software. Data were then converted for 3D reconstruction in the axial, coronal, and sagittal views. A total of 18 patients with a mean age was 39.28 ± 6.28 were included in this study. The results revealed a significant difference between the pre and postoperative differences in distances in relation to the FHP (Frankfurt Horizontal Plane) (P = 0.0014) and sagittal planes (P < 0.0001). The orbital width and height of the traumatized orbit were significantly decreased from 45.26 ± 6.72 mm and 45.30 ± 2.89 mm to 39.74 ± 3.91 mm (P = 0.0022), and 40.34 ± 0.86 mm (P < 0.0001), respectively. Clinically, there was a satisfactory degree of symmetry regarding the zygomatic bones' position and orbital dimensions postoperatively. Moreover, the mean orbital volume on the traumatized side decreased significantly from 23.16 ± 1.91 cm³ preoperatively to 20.7 ± 1.96 cm³ postoperatively (P < 0.0001). These findings were associated with a low incidence of complications. Within the limitations of the study it seems that the described methodology is a relevant addition to clinical treatment options. It incorporates all the latest technology to plan virtual reconstruction surgery in the treatment of complex orbital trauma and should be adapted accordingly in cases of severe displacement and comminution.